Sport How much sodium is too much? and what's bad about it?

[abcd]

When I cook at home, I use marinades and use quite a bit of condiments, so I'm trying to cut back or try to find out what's too much so I can keep my sodium intake to a minimum, either per meal or daily allowance. What are the health problems that can occur with too much sodium?

 

[deschain]

Excessive sodium can be linked to blood pressure issues and fluid retention. Some people are more prone than others to problems. Personally, I have to be very careful with my salt/sodium intake for two reasons - family history of heart problems, and I will retain lots of fluid (will even have pitting edema).

Most people, however, don't need to worry too much unless you are at risk for heart problems. Chances are pretty good that if you are eating healthy whole foods, minimal amounts of processed or restaurant foods, and are mindful of added salts/seasonings, you shouldn't really have anything to worry about.
A lot of the time, people who consume a lot of sodium aren't eating very well to begin with, in which case, they have several things to worry about, not just salt intake.

I believe the RDA is 2400mg/day, and the average is somewhere over 3000, but I could be getting my numbers wrong.

 

[NeuroRN76]

Health problems only occur when you have an unhealthy cardiovascular system. If you have high blood pressure, or a poorly functioning heart, you're going to have problems with fluid retention, and risk worsening heart disease. If you are young and healthy, and your doctor approves, there's nothing wrong with sodium. People panic too much over sodium, when it's a necessary nutrient. I eat TONS of salt daily, and it's healthy for me because my blood pressure is too low, and it helps increase my blood volume so I don't pass out. Everyone is different!